Tire carcass loading apparatus for tire curing press



Feb. 2, 1965 E. SODERQUIST 3, 7,

TIRE CARCASS LOADING APPAR/ATUS FOR TIRE CURING PRESS Filed May 17, 1961 9 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. LESLIE E. SODEROUIST BY 80 W ATTORNEYS Feb- 2, 1965 E. SODERQUIST 3,167,310

TIRE CARCASS LOADING APPARATUS FOR TIRE CURING PRESS Filed May 17, 1961 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 1 l o 84 F 6 3 M 84b 5 O 8 13o 13! 72 92 [no 73 83 I06 75 x 84b 84a.

""T "I u hm" Iliu ATTORNEYS Feb. 2, 1965 Filed May 17. 1961 E. SODERQUIST 3,167,810

TIRE CARCASS LOADING APPARATUS FOR TIRE CURING PRESS 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 Flefe INVENTOR. LESLIE E. SODERQUIST 3 BY g wljg y w ATTORNEYS Feb. 2, 1965 E. SODERQUIST 3,167,

TIRE CARCASS LOADING APPARATUS FOR TIRE CURING PRESS 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed May 17, 1961 FIG.7

INVENTOR. LESLIE E. SODEROUIS T AT TORNE YS Feb. 2, 1965 L. E. SODERQUIST 3,

TIRE CARCASS LOADING APPARATUS FOR TIRE CURING PRESS Filed May 17, 1961 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 /l//I/ ///J I I IIOa. \I3I INVENTOR. LESLIE E. SODEROUIST BY 5 X ATTORNEYS Feb. 2, 1965 Filed May 1'7, 1961 L. E. S

ODERQUIST 3,167,810

9 Sheets-Sheet 7 84b O O 84 I00 84b 0 84a 0 O 83 75 o O 0 O b 86 I3! O l '3 4 9 a I I In] 99 95 \I 82 O i ll. z I 1 O I 130 O 13 O 87 Q 3 Q '06 87 95 75 I06 Q d 3 O 92 O 0 84b QB I06 I06 85 O I00 O F/ G. [2 I06 @K I nm I07 M 1 7 9! I04 (I WM 1 x l 8 S FIG. I3

I 82 97 INVENTOR. 103 LESLIE E. SODERQUIST 98 BY fi I02 8 p I M 79 ATTORNEYS 1965 L. E. SODERQUIST 5.

TIRE CARCASS LOADING APPARATUS FOR TIRE CURING PRESS Filed May 1'7, 1961 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 FIG. I4

\ I7 V/lll I l ,,a9

IN V EN TOR.

LESLIE E. SOD RQUIST BY ying) MW ATTORNEYS Feb. 2, .1965 L. E. SODERQUIST 3,167,810

. TIRE CARCASS LOADING APPARATUS FOR TIRE CURING PRESS Filed May 17. 1961 I I 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 I w 1 I I 76 i V 77 w I 32 i I, 1 v FIG. I6

I I B if 47 "I BY ESL/E E. SOD RQUIST 49 g W ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,167,819 THEE CARCASS LQ ADENG APPARATUS; 130R TIRE (IURWG PRES Leslie Edward fioderquist, Silver Lake, Shin, assignor to The McNeil Machine & Engineering @ornpany, Ahron,

Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Filed May 17, 1961, Ser. No. 110,683 6 Claims, (ill. lid- 2) The present invention relates to improvements in tire presses for shaping and curing unvulcanized tire bands with separable mold sections. More particularly, the invention relates to improved mechanisms for automatically loading uncured tire bands in operative position with respect to the press when open, that is, in registry with a mold section. Specifically, the invention relates to improvements particularly intended for use in the locating and positioning of uncured tire bands uniformly and concentrically over a forming mechanism and on the bead seat of a mold section.

The press loading mechanisms of the invention are particularly intended to improve the operation of presses having a permanent diaphragm or bag type forming mechanism for finally shaping the uncured tire bands before completion of :the curing. The loading mechanisms are also particularly intended for the positive positioning 3,lh7,8l Patented Feb. 2, 1965 1y large uncured bands having deep beads, such as truck tires, without damage or injury to the uncured tire band,

. the shaping mechanism or the press per se.

of relatively large heavy uncured bands intended to form truck tires. I

In'the manufacture of tires such as use for automobiles, the uncured tire band is built substantially fiat, with the beads set in from the main surface only a relatively short distance. Hence, the elongated or extended height of the forming mechanism diaphragm in the loading position is substantially thesarne as the overall height (or width) of any typical tire band to be cured. (For 1 further explanation, reference is made to FIG. 4 of applicants prior US. Patent No. 2,808,618.)

However, in the building of large truck tires and similar tires requiring great carcass strength, many plies are used and it is common practice to employ deep bead seats on the tire building drum The diameter of the beads may be several inches less than the diameter of the main surface. Hence, the elongated or extended height of the diaphragm in the loading position is substantially greater than the overall height of the tire band, and the upper end of the diaphragm will project a substantial distance above the uncured tire band when it is loaded in the press.

it the press were to be closed directly upon the diaphragm in the loading position, the projecting portion of the diaphragm would tend to buckle or fold outwardly over the upper edge of the tire band, pinching thediaphragrn between the upper mold section and the tire band. Or, the radial expansion of a projecting diaphragm might cause the band torub against or frictionally engage the inside surface of the upper head of the tire band. In either event, the disadvantages are manifest.

Another problem solved by the loading mechanism of the invetinon is concerned with the weight of the uncured tire band and placement thereof uniformly and concentrically over the diaphragm and on the bead seat of the lower mold. A large heavy truck tire should be positively located on the bead seat in such a manner that uniform and concentric seating is assured. Otherwise, the

loading operation would be improper, delay in the press operating cycle could occur, and damage to the press per se, or the tire band might result.

it is, therefore, an object of the present inventionto improve the loading operations of locating and position- Still further, it is an object to provide a concept of automatic loading which will improve, the efficiency of presses used for the production of relatively large tires.

These and other objects of the invention, as well as the advantages thereof, will be apparent in view of the following detailed description and the attached drawings.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary front elevation, largely schematic, showing the improved loading mechanism according to the invention ready to locate and position an uncured tire band in the press, the phantom lines showing the loader in position to receive a tire band on the floor in front of the press;

FIG. 2 is a schematic side elevation, partly in section, showing the loading mechanism after locating and positively positioning an uncured tire band over a forming mechanism and on the bead seat of a mold section;

FIG. 3 is a schematic top view, showing the loading mechanism over the press, the phantom line's showing the loaderin front of the press; I

FIG. 4 is an enlarged detail section, taken substantially as indicated on line 4-4 of FIG." 1, showing the power means and linkagefor selectively rotating the vertical support of the loading mechanism;

PEG. 5 is another detail section, taken substantially as indicated on line 5-5 of FIG. 4-, showing the vertical support lower bearing arrangement;

' on line 8-8 of FIG. 7.

F165. 9 and 10 are plan sections, taken substantially as indicated on lines 9-9 and lit-19 of FIG. 7;

516. 11, taken substantially as indicated on line 11-11 of PEG. 1, is particularlyintended to show the preferred location'for certain of the control switches;

FIG. 12 is a top viewjof a holder for an uncured tire band;

FIG. 13 is a partial section taken substantially as indicated on line 13--13 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a partial section taken substantially as indicated on line 1414 of FIG. 12, showing the band holder in a fail-safe or active position;

FIG. 15 is similar to P16. 14 but showing the band holder in an inactive position;

PKG. 16 is a sectional view showing a tire band as located and positioned in the press; and

FIG. 17 is a similar view showing withdrawal of the loading mechanism.

as best shown'in FIG. 2, has separable upper and lower mold sections, 26 and 21, and axially centered forming mechanisms or diaphragm-type shaping means. Presses of this type are well known to this art as shown in a numer of prior art patents of the inventor, including United States Patent N 0; 2,808,618 to which reference is made for such details as are required to more fully understand the invention. These presses are constructed so that it is possible to obtain a maximum tilt-back of the upper mold section and clearance above the lower mold section without loss of valuable head room above. the press. This type of press is preferred, but it will be apparent that presses of other types and designs could be used in the practice mold section is not moved entirely out of the way and to one side of the press, so long as there is at least limited clearance above the lower mold section or so longas an uncured band can be registered with the lower mold sec tion when the press is open.

As best shown in FIGS. 2, .16 and *17, each lower mold section 21 is carried on a press bed plate or base 22. The

base 22 has a central bore 23 through which extendsthe operating cylinder for a diaphragm-type shaping meansor jforming mechanism indicated generally by the numeral 2-5.

. The shaping mechanism 25' includes a movable annular lower bead ring Ze providing a circular seat for the lower beaded edge of an uncured tire band (B). The molding surfaces of .the ring 26 and of the lower mold section 21 define the lower portion of a cured tire (T). The upper portion of a tire T is defined by the molding surface of a :movable annular bead ring 28 and the upper mold section 20. The bag 30 of the shaping mechanism is an elongated,

deformable, heavy walled, preferably rubber, cylinder, I

clamped at the lower. end betweena plate ring Sland bead ring 26and at the upper end between another plate ring '32 and bead ring 28'. I r

' The'upper bead ring 28-plate ring 32 assembly is moved relatively to the lower bead, ring Zelate ring 31 assembly, to selectively permit the bag St) to radially expand during the shaping. operation sequence, and'to be elongated or extended to cylindrical form after the curing 7 operation (as described in further detail below) by a cylinder mechanism 35. As best shown in FIG. 16, a bellshaped housing 36 is fitted in the central bore 23 of the press bedv plate and secured by bolts 37. The housing 36 is hollowand has a downwardly extending stem defining a bore 38 for slidably receiving a cylinder casing 39. The upper endofcasing 39 carries an exteriorly threaded cap 'memberil for attachment of the plate ring 31.

Within the cylinder casing 39 are two, pistons. The lower piston 41 carries a hollowpiston rod 43 which extends axially through the cap member 44 and carries the upper platering 32 The upper bead ring 28 may be secured to the plate ring 32 by a coupling member 4.4- clamped on the upper end of piston rod 43. The upper piston 45 is seated on the exterior of piston rod 43 so as to be capable of independent movement. Attached to the upper side of piston is an elongated stacking or positioning sleeve 47 which provides a positivemeans to maintaintheupper bead ring ZS-plate ring 32'assembly in a predetermined position during the loading and shaping At the lower end of, cylindericasing 39 is a head cap 49 having a pair of inlet bores. An axial inlet bore Ell communicates with'the hollow bore .51 of a rod 52 .slidably fitted through the lower piston 41' and extending upwardly.

7 operation sequences (as described in further detail below).

within the hollow pistonrod 43. Above piston 51 and below piston 45, radial passages 53 extend through the wall of piston rod 43.. The secondinlet bore 55in the: I head cap 4? communicates with the interior of the cylinder casing 39 below the lower piston 41.

To raise the stacking sleeve 47 and the upper bead ring 28-plate ring 32 assembly to maximum elevation above the lower mold section 21 (the condition of PEG. 2), fluid under pressure maybe admitted through inlet 55. The lower piston ll raises, carrying the upper piston 45, until the cap member dtlis contacted. Thus, the stacking sleeve .47 will be at approximately the height of the upper'bead of the band B and the bag 39 will be elongated.

As the bag 30 is radially expanded during the shaping operation sequence, the upper bead ring 28-plate ring 32 assembly is lowered while, maintaining the elevation of j .the stacking sleeve 4'7 (the approximate condition of FIG. :16). This 7 isaccomplished by fluid admitted through inlet-bore 549 which forces the lower piston 41 downward a predetermined distance, maintaining the upper piston 4-5 in contactwith the cap member 40.

,"Whenthe upper bead ring ZS-plate 'ringassembly 32 "*is. in the position of FIG..17, the pressure between the shown).

.nally of the support71- Another power means,

4; upper piston 45 and thelower' piston 41 is equalized and the downward movement stops; 7 At this point (as described in further detail below), the bag Stlis fully within the partially shaped band B. V I

To strip the tire T from the lower mold section 21 after curingg both bead ring-plate ring assemblies are raised together, in a conventional manner, by an actuating means (not shown) connected to the lower end of the cylinder casing 39'which' israised upwardly within the bore 38 of the bell-shaped housing'36. Thereafter, the bag 39 is elongated as described above and a cured tire T is discharged from the press in a conventional manner (also not pivoted to the upper end of a pair of operating links 62 on opposite sides of the press and outside of the guide plates 61. The links 62 are actuated-by large motor driven bull gears 63 to raise'the ci'osshead and open the press for .loading of an uncured tire band.

The loadingimechanism has been conceived primarily for loading and positioning of: a green, unvulcanized or uncured tire band B into .a dual-type press. How-ever, in many aspects of the invention theimprovernents may be adapted to a single type press A loading mechanism for the positive positioning of a band B uniformly and con- .centrically over the bag 30 ofthe shaping mechanism 25 and onto the seat of a lower mold section 21 includes'the band-holder, indicated generally at 70, the vertically extending and rotatable support, indicated generally at 71, and a non-extensible jib arm, indicated generally at '72, carrying each band holder 70 and extending radially of each support 71 and movable longitudinally thereon during the" loading operation sequence. A power means, in

dicated generally at 73, drives the jib arm 72 longitudigenerally at 74, rotatesthe support '71.

The band holders A band holder 70 has aplurality of, at least'two and preferably four, six or eight, downwardly directed operat- "ing arms 75. Each operating arm 75 preferably cornprises 'two spaced apart, identical, fabricated steel plates generally in theshape of an inverted L. At the lower end of each arm 751's a transversely curved segment or shoe 76, adapted to contact the inner surface of .a beaded edge of a tire band B, and'a lateral outwardly extending pusher plate 77,i adapted to contact the upper or side surfaceof a beaded, edge of a'tire band B. The holder shoes 76 contact the tire band B at spaced apart areas and, when radially expanded or moved outwardly, have a diameter greater than the maximum-diameter of bag Stlwhen elongated; V I a Thesop'erati'ng arms 75 are actuated through a connecting linkage .responsive to relative movement of a piston and cylinder mechanism'supported by a hollow stationary shaft 78 depending from theouter end of jib arm 72.

F astened coaxially on shaft '78, as by a ring collar 79, is

aniupwardly facing pot cylinder '86P.- The cylinder 89 has a large diameter bore 8l, an annularwell't52 surrounding the walls definingbore iii, and a series of radial ly extending operating arm hanger brackets 83.

Each hanger 83 has one .or'more transverse bosses 84 receiving and rotatably mounting a pivot pin-85 for each operating arrn75. As shown-the etlectivediameter of the arms of band holder 76' are adjusted for engaging a smaller diameter tire bead, each pin 85 being inserted: through a radially inward boss Sea. 5 For a larger diameter tire bead,

I the pins tld be inserted through each radially outward .-bo ss 8422.; To movethe operating arms75" on the pivot indicated cyl nder tilt and reacting against the upper "well 82. The upper end of bolt adapted nut 1% seating the upper end of spring 1%, a protective bushing 107 may of each column 11% point defined by the pins 35, the inner ends of each arm 75 are provided with suitable actuating means such as the pin 86 rotatably mounting an actuation roller 87.

Slidably fitted within the axial bore 31 of cylinder St! is sturdy piston 88. The piston 38 has a hub portion 89 surrounding or extending coaxially around the shaft 78 and a U-shaped peripheral or circumferential fluid pressure seal 90. The upper face of piston 88 carries a circular plate 91 tuation rollers 37; Above the rollers 87 is another circular plate 92'. As best shown in FIG. 13, the plates 91 and 92 are maintained in a predetermined parallel relation to movably or slidably confine the actuating means 87 by spacers 4 and bolts 95.

The hollow bore 96 of shaft 7 8 communicates through a small diameter orifice 9'7 (see FIG. 13) with an annular manifold or pressure chamber as specially between th cylinder 89 and piston 88. Fluid pressure, supplied from a top fitting 99 on jib arm 72, will pass through bore 96 and orifice 97 into manifold 93, raising the piston dliaway from the base of cylinder 80, preferably until the hub porextending radially outward and beneath the ac- A tien 89 contacts and stops against the under side of jib arm 72. Such raising of the piston 33 will cause i re actuation rollers 87, confined between plates move radially outwardly so that the lower ends of the operating arms 75, rotating about pins 85, will move inwardly to the collapsed or smallest diameter position.

in the absence of fluid pressure in manifold $8, the operating arms are biased outwardly to the expanded or largest diameter position by a series of expansive or tension means 1% attached to the annular well 82 of the plate 92 of piston 88 to move the piston down and toward the base of cylinder 80. Referring to FIG. 13, each tension means 1th) may include a confining sleeve 101. hanging from a suitable bore in the upper plate 92. Fitted within the lower end of sleeve 11is a plug 102 seating the lower end of a strong coiled spring 1%. Extendingcoaxially of spring 1% is a long bolt 194. The lower end of bolt 1% is attached as at 1&5 to the bottom of the annular 1% carries a specially 1%. To by contact with spring prevent galling of the bolt 1434 be placed around bolt 1694- as shown.

As described, the band holder 76 is so conceived as to be fail-safe. That is, :a tire band B engaged by the shoes '76 of the operating arms can be released or disengaged only if the normal bias of means ldil is overcome by fluid pressure in manifold $3. Thislcature is preferred so that accidental failure of pressure fluid supply will not permit the heavy tire band B to unintentionally drop on the operator, the floor, or the press. However, in the broadsense, practice of the invention should not be limited by this specific feature.

The supports and interconnected at their upper ends by a cross beam 111. Each column 11% is precisely fabricated or machined to provide opposite facing surfaces 116a and 11% ex tending exactly parallel to the axis of a lower. mold section The lower end of each column 119 has a reduced diameter stud 112 'rotat-ably jour'naled in a shelf bracket 113 attached to the front of the press base.

journaled in a plate bracket 115.

As best shown in PK}. 8, each bracket 115 is secured to a short webplate .116 attached to and extending transversely of the ends of the cross beam 111. Rearwardly of the rotatable stud lle, each web plate 116 is adapted, as at 117, for attachment of the upper end of a support member 118. As best shownin FIG. 2,'the members 118 91 and 92, to

The upper end" also has a similar stud 114 rotatably upward into engagement with the face 11hr; of column 11 strengthen and stabilize the support columns 11?; and may be attached, as by plates 119, to the forward edge of the respective guide plates 61.

Referring to the detailed view, FIG. 5, each shelf bracket 113 preferably has a hub portion 121 with a vertical bore to accurately seat a roller bearing 122 carried on the lower end of the column stud 112. bearing 122 is a closure plate or seal 123. Above the plate 123, there also may be provided an actuation plate 124 having a lever extension for receiving a locking pin 12:? selectively engaging the clevis 159 of the piston shaft 158 of cylinder 1556 (described below). On the upper face of bracket 113 are one or more vertical bores 126 so located that when the column 11% has been rotated to a desired position, for example, for the auxiliary purposes position.

T he jib arms A jib arm 72 extends laterally of the support '71 and carries the band holder 7% from a collar or blocklfiil securing the upper end of stationary shaft 78. The nonextensible carriage structure or" jib arm'72 includes two spaced-apart radially extending, generally triangularly shaped plates 131, the collar 13% being mounted at their apex. At their inner or base ends, the plates 131 are connected by suitable structural elements, preferably inclu ing at least four shafts 132.

Each shaft 132 mounts a carriage roller 133. The rollers 133 are located asupper and lower pairs intended to engage the opposite facing parallel surfaces lllla and 11% of a support column 119. As best shown in 9, each roller 133 is preferably split, having a dual body portion spaced apart as at 134 to provide medial clearance.

v Jib arm power means The power means 73 for moving the jib arm 7'2- longitudinally along the support 71 includes a drive unit 12 5 mounted by a suitable bracket 136 on or adjacent the upper end of verticalsupport column lit). The drive unit may include a conventional electric motor, a motor brake and a reduction gear train. As best shown in FIG. 7, the power output shaft 137 of unit 235 carries a sprocket 13$. Trained over sproclret 133 is a lineal or I the radially inner portion of dog 1443 has a curved friction face 143. Beneath the dog shaft 141 isa Gshapcd structurd member 1454 which also provides a stop for limitingrotationof the dog F.4d when the ji'oarm is bein. raised. Extending between the dog 14% and member 1 is a tension spring 145 tending to bias the dog face i (see the phantom lines in FIG. 7).

The inboard down an ing end of the chain is trained under a sprocket 1 36 rotatable on a pin extending transversely of a suitable slot ME in the lower portion of a vertical column 11%. After-passage under the sprocket 146, the'chain 139 is trainedupwardly along surface Hill) and is attached to the jib arm carriage.

As bestshown in FIG. 6, the upward extending end of chain 1% terminates in a shackle 149 and a threaded extension bolt 1%. Extending transversely of the shackle 149 is a shelf plate 151. Fitted coaxially around the bolt .156 above plate 151 and below a lock nut and washer as- Above the hanger bracket 154 adjustably and securely attachedto the jib arm plates 131 by hanger bolts and nuts 155.

Thus, both the connecting ends of the chain 139m the jib ann carriage are resilient or tensioned and yielding. Normally, the suspended weight of the jib arm carriage will pull the radially outer end of the carriage dog 140 u Wardly. In the event the chainlfi? should break, as for the chain 139 should be drawn downward in excess of either a predetermined rate or extent of movement, an

electricalswitch 172 (described'below) will be actuated to'stop, the drive unit 135.

Support powermeans v The power means 'Wlfor rotating the jib arm support 71 from the the band B loading position to the unloading position concentric with the axis or"- the forming mechanism 25, andreturn, may be a fluid pressure operated cylinder I 156. The base end of cylinder156'may be mounted as at 157 on a lateral extension of the support column bearthat the bearing load of heavy tire band B, theband holder 7% and jib arm 7Z is stopped at the intermediate position as controlled by switch 163. This is preferred to reduce sus tained cantilevered weight loading on each vertical support column lltl. However, if desired to reduce the time required fonthe' loading operation, the press master timer could be set to energize the power means '73 and raise the jib arm '72 to the highest elevated position prior to opening of the press.

in any event, actuation of switch 165' de-euergizes the power means '73 and the raising movement terminates. When the press is ready; suitable control means (not shown) actuates power means '74 to rotate support 71 and swing the jib arm'72 into the press. (FIG. 3) so that the collar 13% carrying shaft 78 is aligned axially with a mold section.

For use with a dual-type press, two vertical support columns lit? would be located one on each front corner of accommodate such an installation, particularly for presses for shaping and curing large truck tires, it is preferred tolocatethe columns 11%) in close proximity to the press.

ing closure 123. The piston shaft 153 of cylinder 156 is 7 Operation and control means 71 to a position to load a tire band When a tire band B is in front of the press in position and ready forengagement and pick up by the band holder '76, a suitable control switch (not shown) is actuated. Actuation of the "ready pickup switch :energizespower means 73 lowering the jib arm 7Z'longitudinally along the adjustable cam 160 actuates a control switch 161 on a jib arm plate 131. Actuationof switch 161 deenergizes the power means '73. (See the "phantom lines in FIG. 1.) Actuationof switch 161 alsoinitiates-a decrease of pressure in the baud holder manifold 98 so that the tension support 71. The jib arm 72-.descends until a vertically This may be accomplished if the arcs through which the two jib arms '72 rotate into the press are geometrically per- I mitted orar'rangedrto intersect or overlap. Howeventhe jib arms 72 cannot then be rotated simultaneously into and out of the press.

It-has been found. that sequentially orsuccessively rotating thejib arms 72 represents a satisfactory solution to the problem presented by spacelimitations; Referring to FIG.

8, an arm 1166 may be attached to a column stud 114a The arm ltd extends laterally and carries upper and lower cam rollers 167 and 168 for .actuation'ot switches 169 and a 17 threspectively, on a bracket 171 mounted on cross beam 1 iii.

When the leadingor first moving jib arm-72a has been rotated into the press, cam roller 163 actuates switcch 1 7i Actuation of. switch 70 then actuates the power means 74b for rotating the trailing or secondmoving jib. arm 7211 into the press, The upper end ll ib or'the column, carrying the trailing jib arm 7211 would have an arm 166b, cam rollers 16712 and l68b,'and switches 16% and 17%, corresponding or. similar-tothose atop the column :carryingtheleading jib arrnJYZa. When the jibIarm 72b has been rotated into the press to proper position, a-cam roller 16 5b could actuate. a switch 176]).

means loll will bias the operating arms 75 to the expanded or band-engaging condition. When the pressure has decreased sufficiently within manifold $8 and the tire band B'has been firmly engaged, a pressure switch (not shown) communicating with the pressure fluid supply and exhaust system to the band holder '76 will reenergize power means 73 to raise the jib arm 72 longitudinally along the support '71. a

The jib arm raises until a second vertically adjustable cam 162 actuates a control switch 163 ona jib arm plate 131 above switch 161. Actuation of switch'163 de-energizes the power means 73 and the jib arm 72 is stopped at a position preferably intermediate the ends of a column lllll. Such an intermediate position is at least sulficiently elevated so that another tire band B may be positioned in front of the press ready for engagement and .pickup.

Upon completion of the curing cycle, as controlledlby the'press'master timer (not shown), the press opens, the;

tire T is stripped from the lower mold section 21, the bag 313 is elongated and the tire T is discharged or unloaded from the press. When the, press is thus-open andready to receive a tire bandB in registry with a mold section (the condition of FIG. 2') a suitable control switch (notshown) is actuated tore-energize powermeans 73 and raise the jib arm 72. to its highest elevated position. At this position (FIG. '7), a third vertically adjustable earn 164 actuates a plate 131 above switch When both jib arms 72' areinproper position with the collars 13% aligned axially with the respective mold sections, as controlled by successive actuation of switches 17% and 17%, the band holders 7% are ready for completion of the loading and positioning operation.

A band holder 7%? is lowered'by a power means 73 so that a tire band B engaged by the operating arms 75 passes uniformly and concentrically over an elongated bag The/lower head of a tire banclBfirst contacts the bead ring 25 of the lower moldZl (the conditioner FIG. 2),

and, further, is moved downwardly to fully contact-the entire bead'seat area of ring26 (the condition of FIG.

"16). The. pusher plates "'77 extending laterally of each operating arm segment '76 provide the desired downward thrust or fpush to achieve jtull: lower bead contact, without damage or injury to the tire band B. H V v Preferably, extent of downward movementis controlled by the geometric orientation of the' adjustable cam 1'62 and switch 163. As described above, actuation of switch 163de-energizes the power means '73. Tofprovide a safethe tire band B. Referringto'the general description above, as the bag 39 is radiallyexpanded-during the v -de-energize'the power means driveunit 135.."

ty factor against continued downward movement of the band holder "I'll after full lowerbead'contact, a switch 172 shaping Operation sequence, the upper bead ring 28-plate ring 32 assembly is lowered while maintaining the elevation of the stacking sleeve 4?. During this phase of the shaping operation sequence, it is preferred to maintain the operating arm segments 75 in pressure contact with the upper bead of the tire band. The lower inner surface of each segment 75 is smoothly curved to provide a minimum of frictional resistance and to serve as a support and guide as the diaphragm bag it: is radially expanded to Shaping position within the tire band B.

When the upper end of bag 36 has moved adjacent the upper bead of the tire band B (the approximate condition of FIG. 17), the band holder 7% may bedisengaged from the tire band. The introduction of pressure fluid into the band holder manifold 8 to overcome the bias of tension means liltl so that the operating arms 75' will move to the collapsed or band-disengaging condition, may be initiated by a suitable delay or interval timer switch (not shown) initially energized by actuation of switch 163. Alternatively, a pressure switch communicating with the pressure fluid supply and exhaust system to the shaping mechanism 25 might be employed to accomplish the same purpose.

Ln any event, when the pressure has increased sufficient- 1y within manifold 98 and the tire band B has been dis engaged, the pressure switch (described above) connnunicating with the fluid supply and exhaust system to the band holder ill will re-energize the power means '73 to raise the jib arm '72 longitudinally along the support 71.

When the jib arm switch 1&5 is actuated by cam the power means 73 is deactivated, stopping ra sing of the jib arm. Actuation of switch 165 also actuates'power means "/4 to rotate support 71 out of the press. When the switch 17b is actuated by the cam red, the power means 74 is de-activated and the loading mechanism is in condition for actuationby the band ready-pickup switch, as first described above. a

As has been described, it is preferred that the lower head of a tire band B fully contact the entire bead seat area of ring 26- (the conditioner FIG. 16). The downward thrust to accomplish full contact seating is transmitted from the power means 73 through the operating arm segments 75. To ensure that the necessary downward thrust is uniformly applied throughout the entire ci cumferential extent of the upper bead of a tire band B, it is preferred that at least a'portion of each support 71 is aligned parallel to the axis of a forming mechanism 25 so that the jib arm F2 and the band holder ill carried thereon will have moved-directly downward, while the beaded cdgeof a i e band B carried by the holder is released on the circular bead seat area of the lower. moi section. As has been described above, this result be achieved by the precise machining of surfaces Tilda and lltlb of each column lit), so that as the jib arm carriage rollers 13. move longitudinally thereon, the axis of the band holder, as delinedby shaft ill, will be aligned concentrically with theaxis of the forming mechanism 25 and parallel to the axis of the support 71. At the very least, this condition of precise alignment should exist just before and during contact of the lower bead or a tire band B with the ring 2i: of a lower mold section Zll.

What is claimed is: V

1. Apparatus including a tireband holder for use v th a press having separable upper and lower mold sections for shaping and curing unvulcanized tire bands, said holdor being operative to grip tae inside surface of a the band Whilesaid band is carried into registry with a lower mold section and loaded thereon prior to the shaping and curing operation, said apparatus furthcr'including;

a verticallyextending, androtatable support permanently located at the .front of the press and aacent a lower rnold section, said support having surfaces substantially parallel to the axis of said lower mold sec- ,tion; 1 j I aid band holder being carried by a non-extensible jib arm extending radially of said support and being movably mounted thereon by a carriage adapted to engage said parallel support surfaces; means to rotate said support to a predetermined position so that said band holder is aligned concentric with said axis of the lower mold section; additional means to move said carriage longitudinally along said parallel support surfaces just betore and during release of said band ontosaid lower mold section. j 2. Apparatus including a tire band holder for use with a press separable upper and lower mold sections for shaping and curing unvulcanized tire bands, said holder being operative to grip the inside surface of a tire band while said band is carried into registry with a lower mold section and loaded thereon prior to the shaping. and curing operation, said apparatus further including;

a vertically extending and rotatable support permanentiy located at the front of the press and adjacent a lower mold section, said support having surfaces substantially parallel to the axis of said lower mold section; I a non-extensible jib arm extending radially or said support and being movably mounted thereon by a carriage adapted to engage said parallel support surfaces; said band holder being carried by a shaft depending from the outer end oi said jib arm and comprising an upwardly, facing pot cylinder on said shaft, said cylinder having an axial bore and a series of radially extending hanger brackets, a series or downwardly directed band engaging elements movably mounted on said hanger brackets, avpiston in said cylinder bore surrounding said shaft, connecting linkage actuated by raising of said piston for moving said band engaging elements radially of said cylinder, and conduit means to introduce fluid pressure between said cylinder and said piston; means to rotate said support to a predetermined position so that said band holder is aligned concentric with said axis of the lower mold section; and additional means to move said carriage longitudinall along said parallel support surfaces just before and during release of said band onto said lower mold section. 3. Apparatus including a tire band holder for use with a press having separable upper and lower mold sections for shaping and curing unvulcani ed tire bands, said holder being operative to grip the inside surfaceof a tire band while said band is carried into registry with a lower mold section and loaded thereon prior to the shaping and curing operation, said apparatus further including;

a vertically extending and rotatable support permanently located at the front of the press and adjacent a lower mold section, said support having surfaces substantially parallel to the axis of said lower mold section; v v a non-extensible jib arm extending radially of said support and being movably mounted thereon by a carriage adapted to engage said parallel support surfaces;

said band holder being carried by a shaft depending from the outer end of said jib arm and comprising an upwardly facing pot cylinder on said shaft, said cylinder having an axial bore and a series-or radially means to rotate said support to a predetermined position so that said band holder is aligned concentric 1 with said axis of the lower mold sectiom and 7 additional means to move said carriage longitudinally along said parallel support surfaces just before and during release of said band onto section. a i V 4. Apparatus including a tire band holder for use with a press having separable upper and lower mold'sections forshaping and curing unvulcanized tire bands, said holder being operative to grip the inside surface of a tire band while said band is carried into registry with a lower mold section and loaded thereon prior to the shaping and curing operation, said apparatus further including;

a vertically extending and rotatable support permanently located at the front of the pressand adjacent a lower mold section, said support having surfaces said lower mold substantially parallel tothe axis of lower mold section; a 1

a non-extensible jib arm extending radially of said supsaid band holder being carried'by shaft depending from the outer endof said jib arm and comprising an upwardly facing pot cylinder on said shaft, said cylinder having an axial bore, an annular Well sur- 1 rounding said bore and a series of radially extending 1 hanger brackets, a series of downwardly. directed band engaging elements movably mounted on said hanger brackets, a piston in said cylinder bore surrounding said shaft, connecting linkage actuated by raising of said piston for moving said band engaging elementsradially of said cylinder in one direction,

tension means in said annular well and reacting against raising of said piston to normally bias sai band engaging elements radially of said cylinder in the opposite direction, and conduit'means to. introduce fluid pressure into said cylinder bore to overcome the bias of said tension means;

means to rotate said support to a predetermined position so that said bandholder isaligned concentric with said axis of the lower mold seciton; and additional means to move said carriage longitudinally along said parallel support surfaces just before and during release or" said band .onto said lower mold section. I 5. Apparatus including a tire band holder for use with a press having separable upper and lower mold sections for shaping and curing unvulcanized tire bands, said holder being operative to grip the insidejsurrace of a tire band while said band is carried into registry with a lower mold section and loaded therein prior to the shaping and port and being movably mounted thereon by a car riage adaptedto engagesaid parallel. support surfaces;

said band holder being carried by a hollow stationary shaftdepending from the outer end of said jib arm and having an upwardly facing pot cylinder on-the lower end of said shaft, said cylinder having a large, diameter bore, an annular wellgsurrounding'said.

bore and a series of radially extending ,hanger brackets, a piston slidably fitted within said cylinder bore surrounding said shaft; parallel spaced apart plates on the .upper face of said piston, a series of downwardly directed operating arms movably mounted one on each said hanger bracket, the lower endof each operating arm having shoes thereon to contact said tire band,'the uppercendofeach operating arm having actuation means movably confined between said parallel plates, tension means within said annular. well normally'reacting against the upper of said parallel plates'to move said piston down, and conduit meansto introduce fluid pressure through said hollow shaft'into the bore of said cylinder to 7 move said'piston' up;

means to rotate said support to a predetermined position so that said band holder is aligned-concentric with said axis of the lower mold section; and

additional means to move said carriage longitudinally along "said parallel support surfaces just before and during release of said band onto said lower 'mold .section. V V

6. Apparatus including a tire band holder for use with a press having separable upper and lower mold sections for shaping and curing unvulcanized tire bands, said holder being operative to grip the inside surface of 'a tire band while said band is carried into registry with a lower mold section and loaded thereon prior to the shaping and curing operation, said apparatus further including;

a vertically extending and rotatablesupport permanently located at the front of the press and adjacent a lower mold section, said support having surfaces substantially parallel to thelaxis of said lower mold section;

said band holder being carried by a non-extensible jib armv extending radially of said supporthand being movably mounted thereonrby a carriage adapted to engage said parallel support surfaces, said carriage being moved longitudinally alongrsaid support by a lineal power transmissionmeans (1 39) 7 means (74). to rotate said support to a predetermined position so that said band holder is aligned con- 1 said power means if said jibarm and carriage is 1 moved by said ,lineal-powertransmission means in excess of either a predetermined rate or extent of movement.

References: Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,489,892" 4/24 Loughridge ;21-4-1.3 2,613,823- 10/52 Johns -214 1.2 2,800,355 417/57 Vinner et a1. 294 ss 2,823,947 2/58 Delzer 294 -ss 2,927,343 3/60 Soderquist L. 18-17 XR 2956;696 10/601 'Dr'akengren 214- 13 X11 2,997,73s 8/61 I Soderquist 294-93 XR 3,065,503511/62 Mallory-et a1. 1 3

MICHAEL: V. BRINDISL Prir nary "Examiner. l

UNITED S AT S PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 5,167,810 p February 2, 1965 Leslie Edward Soderquist' It is hereby certified that error appears in'the above numbered patent reqiiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as oorrectedbelow.

- Column 1, line 58, for "inve-tinon" read invention column 5, line 17, for "specially between" read specially provided between line 59, for "rectagnular" read T re'ctangu lar column 6, line 51, for "cleivs" read clevis colum ll, line 24, for "by shaft" read by a shaft same column ll, line 53, for "therein" read thereon Signed and sealed this 24th day of August 19650 (SEAL) Attest:

ERNEST w. SWIDER EDWARD J. BRENNER Al testing Officer Commissioner of Patents 

1. APPARATUS INCLUDING A TIRE BAND HOLDER FOR USE WITH A PRESS HAVING SEPARABLE UPPER AND LOWER MOLD SECTIONS FOR SHAPING AND CURING UNVULCANIZED TIRE BANDS, SAID HOLDER BEING OPERATIVE TO GRIP THE INSIDE SURFACE OF A TIRE BAND WHILE SAID BAND IS CARRIED INTO REGISTRY WITH A LOWER MOLD SECTION AND LOADED THEREON PRIOR TO THE SHAPING AND CURING OPERATION, SAID APPARATUS FURTHER INCLUDING; A VERTICALLY EXTENDING AND ROTATABLE SUPPORT PERMANENTLY LOCATED AT THE FRONT OF THE PRESS AND ADJACENT A LOWER MOLD SECTION, SAID SUPPORT HAVING SURFACES SUBSTANTIALLY PARALLEL TO THE AXIS OF SAID LOWER MOLD SECTION; SAID BAND HOLDER BEING CARRIED BY A NON-EXTENSIBLE JIB ARM EXTENDING RADIALLY OF SAID SUPPORT AND BEING MOVABLY MOUNTED THEREON BY A CARRIAGE ADAPTED TO ENGAGE SAID PARALLEL SUPPORT SURFACES; 